Art (BFA)

Catalog Year 2025-2026

The Art BFA is devoted to the development of concepts, knowledge and skills in the visual arts within a broad university curriculum of liberal arts orientation.The BFA is professional degree that prepares students to become successful studio artists. The course of study gives students the opportunity to concentrate on intensive work in several areas of art and art history, sustained by a program of general studies. Students choose a primary and secondary area of specialization for more intensive study. Studio specializations are offered in ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. 

Program Requirements

Required General Education

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through circa 1400 CE. Includes examination of global art and architecture (1) to understand significant historical developments in human civilizations, cultural values, and creativity and (2) to explore its relevance to us today.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08

The courses count toward General Education Goal Areas 6 and/or 8.

Major Common Core

Students learn to take projects through the full creative process, from inception to design construction, presentation, revision, and critique. The Studio Foundations course includes attending visiting artists and exhibitions to connect art students with local, national, and international artists and designers. Studio, gallery, and museum visits complement the program. Art 104 is a Prerequisite for Portfolio Review.

Prerequisites:
none

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent

Portfolio Review is taken the same semester as the second Intermediate Studio I: Primary Concentration course (300-level), before taking Advanced Studio Courses. Students should consult with their advisor to select the appropriate semester for their Portfolio Review.

Major Restricted Electives

Foundation Courses - Select five (5) courses from different areas for a total of 20 credits.

Graphic Design Area - Choose 0-4 credits

This course explores foundational concepts of graphic design and the current technology used within the industry, including Adobe Creative Cloud products. Students will use industry-standard software to examine essential digital media concepts like color gamut, image resolution, and vector vs. raster imagery. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to use these essential tools and their potential as creative instruments.

Prerequisites:
none

This course explores the fundamental aesthetic components and processes used by graphic designers to turn ideas into compelling visual communication, including generating ideas, exploring the elements and principles of form, and implementing compositional principles within structural harmonies.

Prerequisites:
ART 202

Drawing Area - Choose 0-4 credits

This course will expand students' understanding of drawing's critical components, including line, value, and composition. Traditional and experimental approaches will be explored. Students will become familiar with the work of a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline of drawing.

Prerequisites:
none

This course will focus on drawing the figure. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored, from traditional to experimental. Students will gain familiarity with the work of a diverse array of contemporary figurative artists.

Prerequisites:
none

Mixed Media Area - Choose 0-4 credits

Material Exploration in Mixed Media is a problem-solving art studio experience implementing the use of a variety of traditional and non-traditional art materials into two and three-dimensional projects.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06

Painting Area - Choose 0-4 credits

This introductory painting course will introduce students to basic techniques in oil and/or acrylic. Technical and conceptual development will be emphasized. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists working within the discipline of painting.

Prerequisites:
none

This course will focus on the basic materials and techniques of watercolor and other wet media while exploring traditional and experimental approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists utilizing watercolor and wet media as part of their practice.

Prerequisites:
none

Photography Area - Choose 0-4 credits

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of photography as an art form. Topics include basic camera controls, lighting, composition, editing, fine art printing, and historical and contemporary examples of art photography. A digital camera with manual controls of aperture and shutter speed is required for most of the semester.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06

Sculpture Area - Choose 0-4 credits

Exploration of the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space through problems employing various media and processes.

Prerequisites:
none

Installation Area - Choose 0-4 credits

Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation.

Prerequisites:
none

Printmaking Area - Choose 0-4 credits

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites:
none

An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.

Prerequisites:
none

From pop artists of the 1950s like Andy Warhol to contemporary printmakers today, the silkscreen medium is known for its ability to build up bright color intensely and quickly. The silkscreen medium has concrete links to drawing, graphic design, and photography. In this course, students will be introduced to silkscreen & photographic printmaking processes. No previous experience needed.

Prerequisites:
none

This introductory course focuses on traditional techniques of carving & printing wood / linoleum relief blocks as well as a range of intaglio printmaking processes. Whether using gouges to carve imagery into wood, or using an etchant to bite lines into copper, these mediums have an intimate relationship to natural materials. These drawing-based processes are tied to the earliest technologies of disseminating information. Their graphic aesthetics remain rich and relevant today. No previous experience is needed for this course.

Prerequisites:
none

Ceramics Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s).

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites:
none

An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.

Prerequisites:
none

Intermediate Courses

Intermediate Studio: Primary Concentration - Choose 8 Credit(s).

Prerequisites:
none

Portfolio Review - Enroll for 2 credits during the same semester you enroll in your second 300-level course in your primary concentration

This course will prepare students to successfully present their work in a professional manner. Visual, oral, and written presentation components will be addressed. Required of all BFA majors before progressing to 4XX-level advanced studio specialization sequence.

Prerequisites:
ART 104

Drawing /Art History

Drawing - Choose 4 credits

This course will expand students' understanding of drawing's critical components, including line, value, and composition. Traditional and experimental approaches will be explored. Students will become familiar with the work of a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline of drawing.

Prerequisites:
none

This course will focus on drawing the figure. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored, from traditional to experimental. Students will gain familiarity with the work of a diverse array of contemporary figurative artists.

Prerequisites:
none

This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Formal and conceptual issues will be addressed. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 210

This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 310

400-Level Art/Design History - Choose 4 credits

Introduction to the art and architecture of the ancient era in its historical and cultural frameworks. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures.

Prerequisites:
ART 260 or consent

Examine art and architecture made between the fourth and fourteenth centuries and as informed by the cultural and religious tradition of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. The time period begins with the disintegration of the Roman Empire and ends with the era of monumental cathedral building across Europe, integrating sociopolitical history alongside art and architectural achievements.

Prerequisites:
none

Origins and development of Northern and Italian Renaissance art and architecture as an expression of historical, cultural and religious issues.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the late sixteenth to mid-nineteenth century: Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

Prerequisites:
ART 392, ART 406

The study of art museum history, theory and practice, including ethics, collecting, and display will be addressed. Students gain on-site experience in a museum setting and work alongside museum staff in order to develop individual and group projects.

Prerequisites:
ART 260, ART 261

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent

Historical survey of art and architecture from Islam's origins through today. Course focuses on contextualizing monuments, paintings, ceramic ware and other art forms from various regions around the world through the contemporary era.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Survey of Graphic Design, Industrial Design and Architecture from historical and theoretical perspectives. Design issues examined from formal and contextual points of view, using analysis strategies that consider style, composition, historical context, functional/propagandistic significance and communicative ability.

Prerequisites:
none

Historical survey of the art and architecture of China, Korea, Japan, and South Asia from pre-history to the present.

Prerequisites:
ART 260, ART 261 or consent
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Investigation of developments in sacred and secular art and architecture in various regions of the world. Modern works will be understood within their socio-historical and contemporary contexts, incorporating interdisciplinary research and analysis.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Specific problems in art emphasizing both individual research and contributions to the seminar group on advanced, in-depth topics.

Prerequisites:
Consent

Works by global artists throughout history are examined through the lens of gender in order to develop complex, multi-perspective and intersectional awareness of topics including feminism, gender nonconformity, sexuality, identity and race.

Prerequisites:
none

Advanced Studio

Primary Concentration - Select 12 credits of 400-level studio courses in your primary area of concentration

This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 310

This course will expand on skills learned in Painting: Contemporary Approaches I while helping students develop a personal voice. Students will gain an understanding of the issues relevant to contemporary painting dialogue and discourse while becoming familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline. Course may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites:
ART 340

The course focuses on developing students' voices in ceramics while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Formal and conceptual issues are addressed. The course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 350

In this course, students will expand their intermediate printmaking knowledge while developing technical and intellectual skills. Students will complete self-directed projects with instructor guidance and supervision, push the boundaries of the media through contemporary processes and concepts, and gain an awareness of contemporary applications surrounding the media of printmaking. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 370

Expanding technical knowledge and visual awareness while building a portfolio in selected areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites:
none

An advanced sculpture studio level course where students will continue to develop personal aesthetic expression in three dimensions.

Prerequisites:
ART 380

This course will focus on a continued expansion of skills related to installation art while helping students address personal interests and integrate conceptual approaches. Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 385 or consent

Additional 300/400 level studio courses - Choose 16 Credit(s).

This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Formal and conceptual issues will be addressed. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 210

This course will help students develop a more personal approach to painting. Connections between formal and conceptual strategies will be emphasized. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists working within the landscape of contemporary painting. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 240 or consent

This course will build on the fundamental skills learned in ART 250 and/or ART 251 while expanding students' understanding of ceramics processes, including hand-building, and wheel-throwing. Traditional and experimental approaches will be explored. ART 350 must be taken twice before advancing to ART 450.

Prerequisites:
ART 250 or ART 251

Students will expand their knowledge of printmaking processes while broadening their conceptual ideas. Course curriculum varies each semester, and students regularly learn new techniques for the first time. The range of project processes may include any of the following approaches: relief, silkscreen, lithography, intaglio, letterpress, cyanotype, monoprinting, 3-dimensional prints, public print projects, combined media processes, photographic processes, inkjet printing, and collaborative projects.

Prerequisites:
ART 270 or ART 271

This is an intermediate course focusing exclusively on materials, technique, processes, equipment, and safety in contemporary digital printmaking processes.

Prerequisites:
ART 202, ART 271

This intermediate course builds on basic photography knowledge. Topics covered include 35mm film cameras, medium and large format film cameras, film development, film scanning, as well as digital editing, manipulation, and fine art digital print and darkroom print output. Additionally, we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. ART 275: Introduction to Photography recommended as a prerequisite, or proficiency with manual controls of cameras (aperture and shutter speed). In rotation with ART 377.

Prerequisites:
none

This intermediate course builds on basic knowledge learned in ART 275. Topics covered include digital camera operations, digital editing, manipulation and altering of images using Adobe Photoshop, and fine art printing. Additionally, we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. In rotation with ART 375. A digital SLR camera or mirrorless camera is required.

Prerequisites:
ART 275

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of digital video as an art medium. We will cover capturing video, editing using current software applications, and final output and display of video work. Topics include camera settings and movements, stop-motion animation, and experimental music videos. We will build formal and conceptual skills to explore the possibilities of digital video as art, and discuss historical and contemporary examples of video in the art world. Access to a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with video/movie capabilities is required.

Prerequisites:
none

Intermediate level sculpture studio course that encourages students to expand individual three-dimensional forms in search of a personal aesthetic statement.

Prerequisites:
ART 280

This course will focus on an expansion of skills related to installation art while helping students address personal interests and integrate conceptual approaches. Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation. Course may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites:
ART 285 or consent

This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 310

This course will expand on skills learned in Painting: Contemporary Approaches I while helping students develop a personal voice. Students will gain an understanding of the issues relevant to contemporary painting dialogue and discourse while becoming familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline. Course may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites:
ART 340

The course focuses on developing students' voices in ceramics while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Formal and conceptual issues are addressed. The course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 350

In this course, students will expand their intermediate printmaking knowledge while developing technical and intellectual skills. Students will complete self-directed projects with instructor guidance and supervision, push the boundaries of the media through contemporary processes and concepts, and gain an awareness of contemporary applications surrounding the media of printmaking. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 370

Expanding technical knowledge and visual awareness while building a portfolio in selected areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites:
none

An advanced sculpture studio level course where students will continue to develop personal aesthetic expression in three dimensions.

Prerequisites:
ART 380

This course will focus on a continued expansion of skills related to installation art while helping students address personal interests and integrate conceptual approaches. Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 385 or consent

Capstone - Students are required to participate in an exhibit the semester they intend to graduate. The course includes the planning, installation, and de-installation of a group exhibition.

Senior Exhibition - Enroll for 2 credits

This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.

Prerequisites:
Consent

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through circa 1400 CE. Includes examination of global art and architecture (1) to understand significant historical developments in human civilizations, cultural values, and creativity and (2) to explore its relevance to us today.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08
Diverse Cultures:
Purple
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Second Year

Fall - 16 Credits

General Education Course * 4 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 16 Credits

General Education Course * 4 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Third Year

Fall - 18 Credits

This course will prepare students to successfully present their work in a professional manner. Visual, oral, and written presentation components will be addressed. Required of all BFA majors before progressing to 4XX-level advanced studio specialization sequence.

Prerequisites:
ART 104

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent
General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 13 Credits

This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.

Prerequisites:
none
General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Transfer Pathways

A Transfer Pathway is a partnership between the Minnesota community colleges and Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Pathway suggests a plan for students with a specific associate degree to complete the last two years for a designated bachelor’s degree.

Students who are transferring to Minnesota State Mankato from a Minnesota community college should meet with an advisor in your college advising office to ensure the Pathway is an appropriate option for completing your degree.

More information on Transfer Pathways is available at https://www.mnsu.edu/transfer-pathways/

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 6 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 6 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.

Prerequisites:
none
Elective Course in Major * 6 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major Credits
66

Total Credits
120

Locations
Mankato

Career Cluster
Arts, Audio

Accreditation
NASAD
National Association of Schools of Art and Design